She wrote in the Radio Times: "I've had more conversations about what faith might mean as a result of being the vicar on Gogglebox than I ever have about any of my Sunday sermons."

She added: "G ood telly - like good radio - offers a reflection of the human story, and part of the human story is faith, religion and belief ... o vertly religious programmes on TV have their place and are to be cherished, but there's also something to be said for 'religious broadcasting' by stealth.

"That's not to say we need to sneak faith in, but the gear change from the secular to the faith need not be obvious."

Ms Bottley, who was ordained in 2010, has attracted attention - and controversy - with her forthright opinions and style.

A fan of novelty slippers and polka dot dresses, she rose to public attention in 2013 when a video of her leading a flash mob in her parish church to 90s hit Everybody Dance Now went viral.

Alongside her husband Graham, she has starred in five series of Gogglebox.